Tango lessons offer entertainment,
diversity
By Kyle Boggs
Staff Writer
They say it takes two to tango. Obviously, "they"
have never made it to the International Center on 523 Russell Street.
There are many people there who come alone and
find partners with other eager dancers.
The Center is hosting Argentinean tango lessons
every Friday during the month of May. Lessons for beginners are from
7 to 8 p.m., and intermediate and advanced lessons are from 8 to 9 p.m.
Purdue professor of physics Sanz Chang teaches
the class. Chang is a P.H.D. student from Korea who has been dancing
the tango for the last three years. Originally, Chang came to the International
Center to learn Latin dances and though he has never done anything like
this before, he decided that he wanted to teach the tango to all who
are interested.
"I wanted to have a party," said Chang. "With tango,
everyone can get completely into every aspect of the music instead of
traditionally dancing just to the rhythm."
Those that attend can expect to look, learn and
listen to instruction put to music. In a room in which men and women
of many races are present, Chang walks around and instructs those that
have a difficult time refraining from stepping on their partners feet
or backing into other couples. He provides helpful tips and direction
to improve their skills.
Chang encourages his dancers to "walk like cat,
and think like cat."
As well as verbal instruction, Chang also provides
various videos that allow the new dancers to compare their skills with
the professionals.
While some of the men would only admit that their
wives or girlfriends "made" them go, some claim that it is something
they've always wanted to do.
Mehmedali Baris Besli, a new dancer as well as
a student in Turkey said, "I've always wanted to learn how to tango,
but at home I am too busy with school, here I finally have time to learn."
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